Take your woodworking projects to next level with a good quality jigsaw. Jigsaws are best known for their ability to cut curves and complex shapes in various materials. Apart from wood, you can cut curves or straight in plastic, ceramic, and even metal using the right cutting blade. And if you’ve landed on this page then definitely you’re looking for the best jigsaw cutting curves.
Before we jump straight to the jigsaw reviews, let us throw some light on the working of the tool. Also, a jigsaw accepts several kinds of blades that help to cut various materials.
Using the right blade, you can not only give a good curvy shape to a wooden board but also do crosscut. While wide blades are ideal for straight cuts, use a narrow blade for cutting curves.
If this is your first time buying a new jigsaw tool then go through the buyer’s guide at the end of the reviews. It will help you understand some basic features of the tool so that you pick the right jigsaw machine according to your needs. Till then, let us start with the detailed reviews of the best jigsaw on the market.
Table of Contents
1) DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw
It’s time to give a beautiful look to your DIY projects with Dewalt cordless jigsaw. The best part about this tool is you do not need to hassle with long cords. Simply attach the compatible 20V MAX battery and you’re good to use the tool. Do not let the battery-operated jigsaw make you think of it any less as it delivers power and maintains it for following a tight curve.
The same blade cannot be used for cutting curves on different materials. And thanks to Dewalt handheld jigsaw that features all-metal, lever-action, keyless blade change. Such a design allows for a quick and easy blade change. And when the blade changes easily, you can work on a variety of materials one after one. This saves time.
In addition to keyless blade changes, Dewalt cordless jigsaw features an all-metal, keyless shoe bevel. The bevel features detent at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees. Therefore, provides versatility while bevel cutting the material.
Cutting curves on different materials at the same speed might not provide the best results. So Dewalt offers a variable speed of 0-3000 SPM for versatility in a magnitude of materials. Also, its 4-position orbital action provides control of cut quality and speed for smooth cutting of curves.
Pros:
- Adjustable dust blower to keep the work area clear of chips and dust
- Up to 45-degree bevel capacity
- Accepts T-shank jig saw blades for consistent power and professional results
- A removable show cover helps to protect the material from scratches
- Up to 1-inch stroke length for effective cutting
- CSA listed
- Best rated cordless jigsaw for cutting curves under $200
Cons:
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Weak blower power
Key Features:
- 20-watt
- 4-position orbital action
- Brushed motor
- Keyless show bevel
- Keyless blade change
- Versatile speed
- Weighs 5.57 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
2) BOSCH Power Tools Jig Saws
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Cut tight curves or circles smoothly with Bosch corded jigsaw. It was a hard time deciding which model to keep first on the list as both Dewalt and Bosch are good competitors. However, the only reason why we listed Bosch second on the list is that it is corded and you will have to deal with wires. Otherwise, there is no single big issue why this tool can’t be in your toolbox.
Powered by a 7.0-amp motor, Bosch offers enormous power to cut through wood, aluminum, and mild steel. All you need to take care of is, using the right blade to cut the material and it will ensure a smooth cut as well as long life of the tool. Speaking of the blade, Bosch electric jigsaw comes with an 8-inch jigsaw blade and features a toolless blade-change system.
No-load SPM ranges from 500 to 3100 and has up to 6- Hz. Therefore, it provides a cutting capacity on wood up to 5-7/8 inches, whereas, it can go up to 7/8-in on aluminum and 3/8-in on mild steel.
Besides straight cut and cross cut, you can also bevel cut the material. Thanks to its maximum bevel cut angle at 45 degrees that lets you cut curves more precisely. Also, the tool comes with a bevel wrench with onboard storage for quick bevel cut adjustments.
Pros:
- Features an ambidextrous lock-on button for long stead cuts and user comfort
- The toolless blade ejection lever allows you to eject the hot blade without touching it
- Adjustable dust blower to keep the cutting line clear
- A large, sturdy die-cast foot with a steel insert
- Multi-direction blade clamp with superior grip of T-shank blades
- UL listed
- Comes with a carrying case for easy transfer and storage
- Best top-handle budget jigsaw for home use
Cons:
- Lacks track light
- Pretty heavy to maneuver for beginners
Key Features:
- 7.0-amp motor
- 4 orbital-action
- Variable speed dial
- 8 ft long cord
- Toolless blade change
- Weighs 10.4 pounds
- 1-year warranty
3) Makita XVJ02Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Jig Saw
Get the convenience of cordless and power of corded tool with Makita battery-operated jigsaw tool. The brushless motor of Makita offers maximum performance with no hassle to deal with cords. Plus, the compact design of the tool makes it easy for new users to handle it. Not only beginners but professionals also find a small jigsaw easy to maneuver while following a sharp curve in a tight space.
One of the main problems with a battery-operated jigsaw is, it only works as long as the battery lasts. So you might want to have an extra pair of batteries ready in case one runs out of power. However, battery life won’t be a problem with Makita cordless jigsaw as its brushless motor is electronically controlled. This helps to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer runtime per charge.
While many leading jigsaw brands provide a variable speed with a maximum of 4 settings, Makita XVJ02Z is one step ahead. The tool features variable 6-speed control dials with speeds ranging from 800-3500 RPM. Therefore, making it perfect to perform crosscut or shape cuts on several materials.
Thanks to the heavy-gauge aluminum base that holds the tool in a balanced position as you follow a sharp curve or other complex design. On the other hand, a rubberized soft grip handle provides maximum comfort while cutting the material. Plus, there are 2 bright LED lights on the front that illuminates the work surface for better results every time.
Pros:
- 3 orbital speed settings
- Makita’s BL brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, thus the motor runs cooler and works efficiently
- Dual LED lights on the front for a better cut in dim light conditions
- The heavy-gauge aluminum base provides stability for smooth and accurate cuts
- UL listed
- Equipped with star protection computer controls that protect the tool against overheating, overloading, and over-discharging
- Best lightweight jigsaw for woodworking
Cons:
- You need to buy the battery separately unless you already own an 18V Makita battery
- Some professionals did not like the ‘auto slow start’ of the model
Key Features:
- 18 volts
- Brushless motor
- Toolless blade change
- 6-speed control dial
- Dual led lights
- Weighs 5.3 lbs
- 3-year limited warranty
4) RYOBI One+ P5231 Orbital T-Shaped Jigsaw
Investing in an expensive, high-end model only to use it occasionally would be silly. So we’ve picked a perfect model for budget buyers. The Ryobi One+ lithium-ion cordless jigsaw with 4 orbital settings is a great pick for DIYers and home use. This little tool is lightweight, easy to use, and powerful enough to help with a variety of DIY tasks.
Set the tool to the highest orbital settings to cut wood, whereas the lower settings are ideal for cutting curves or light metals. Turn on the built-in blower while cutting the material to keep the wood dust or metal chips out of the way. In addition to a built-in blower, Ryobi’s inexpensive jigsaw also features led lighting. The bright lights improvise line-of-sight in poorly lit conditions.
Ryobi One+ small jigsaw already comes with a wood cutting blade to help you get started with the tool. However, you’ll need to purchase separate blades for cutting metal and other such materials. It only accepts T-shape blades that are easily available in any hardware store or online. Thus, the tool is a one-stop solution for all your DIY needs.
Pros:
- Features a trigger lock system that provides you control over cuts, no matter how sharp or complex they are
- Printed graphics on the tool helps with 4-speed settings
- Includes a woodcutting blade
- Other features include adjustable shoe, keyless blade change, no-tool blade, and variable speed
- Flat front and narrow side design for a better view of the cut line
- Base adjusts from 0-degree to 45-degree on either left or right side
- Best quality jigsaw for home use under $100
Cons:
- Great for tackling small DIY projects but not strong enough for heavy use
- Accepts T-shape blades only
Key Features:
- 18V
- Brushed motor
- 4 orbital settings
- LED lighting
- Built-in dust blower
- Weighs 4.4 pounds
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
5) BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX JigSaw with Battery
Alright, so you might get a bare tool under $100 but need to buy a battery and charger separately. Ultimately, it will cost you more. But what if we told you you can get a good quality jigsaw for under $100 with battery and charger included. Sound like a dream to DIY users but it is indeed true. The Black+Decker cordless jigsaw comes with a compatible 20V Max lithium-ion battery and a charger.
First of all, it is a cordless tool so no hassle with cords or extensions. And in spite of being battery-powered, the Black+Decker BDCJS20C delivers an impressive 2500 RPM that is good enough to cut through a variety of wood and thin metal sheets. Besides, the tool-free blade change makes it extremely easy for users to eject and change the blade as per the requirement of the project.
The best part about this affordable jigsaw is, that it accepts both types of jigsaw blades. And by that we mean, you can add either U-shape or T-shape blade. This not only makes things extremely convenient for you but also results in the smooth cutting of curves, straight cuts, or complex cuts. Besides, you can easily tilt the shoe 45-degree to the right or left for precise bevel cuts.
Pros:
- Comes with a battery, plus, a charger
- Lightweight design helps to maneuver the tool easily
- Accepts both T-shape and U-shape jigsaw blades
- Ideal for home use; especially for detailed cuts, curved lines, and plunge cuts
- CSA listed
- Best budget jigsaw for the money
Cons:
- You will feel the tool is a bit underpowered
- While the battery life of up to 1 hour is good for small DIY projects, you will need spare batteries when working on a large project
Key Features:
- 20V
- Brushed motor
- 0.75-in length of stroke
- Built-in dust blower
- Variable speed trigger
- Tool-free blade change
- Weighs 5 pounds
- 2-year limited warranty
6) TECCPO 6.5Amp Jigsaw with Laser
High heat generated from the motor can result in tool malfunctioning. Even though for small DIY projects, you should use a reliable tool. And Teccpo corded jigsaw is perfect for both home and site use. Equipped with a 6.5Amp copper motor, the tool rotates 0-3000 strokes per minute. And just like a majority of jigsaws on the list, you get a variable speed trigger to set the stroke speed according to the work material.
Offering 3/4-in stroke length, the Teccpo handheld jigsaw is a perfect pick for a variety of projects. Be it cutting curves on a wooden board or making a small plastic table, you can rely on the unit. Add more style to your project by making bevel cuts up to 45° right or left. The best thing is, you do not need any tools to tilt the head. Simply press the lever on board and adjust the shoe.
Instead of one, Teccpo electric jigsaw provides 2 modes of disposing of sawdust. Push the switch forward to blow away dust or push the switch back to direct the chips/dust to the rear dust blower. Either way, the blower will help to keep the line-of-sight clear for better cutting of curves or simple crosscuts.
Pros:
- 4-position orbital action cutting
- Come with 6 blades; 4 for woodworking and 2 blades for metal
- 2-way dust blower design
- Bright red laser guide for maximum cutting accuracy
- Includes the main tool along with 6x replaceable blades, 1x sturdy carrying case, 1x scaler rule, 1x rip fence, 1x dust exhaust pipe
- Transparent blade guard to protect your face and eyes against tiny particles
- Best corded jigsaw for cutting curves on plywood, plastic, and mild metal
Cons:
- Blade alignment could be better
- Needs better instruction
- A bit heavy to handle
Key Features:
- 6.5Amp pure copper motor
- 3/4″ stroke length
- Laser guide
- 4-position orbital action
- 6-speed control
- Switch lock button
- Weighs 5.51 pounds
- 2-year warranty
7) SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jig Saw
Don’t have a huge budget to spend on a single tool? But need to get the project done? Then here’s the right pick for you. The Skil 6 Amp corded jigsaw for under $50 is best for home use. For the price, it offers the best performance and user-friendly experience that can help you with your initial projects. Be it a simple crosscut or cutting a curve, you can do it with this tool in hand.
Skil JS314901 offers a 2-finger speed control trigger for better control. Besides, the 4-stage orbital function ensures smooth cutting across different materials and applications. The best about owning this little tool is the bright halo lighting on the front. These tiny lights illuminate the work surface brightly for better cutting in dim light conditions.
Thanks to the tool-free blade clamp that helps to replace the blade within a matter of seconds. Other than toolless blade change, the Skil corded electric jigsaw offers quick-adjust angled cutting. You can adjust the show bevel to the desired degree in between 0 to 45 without any tool.
Pros:
- Halo light set ahead of the rest for better working in dark lighting
- Cuts through aluminum, wood, and metal
- High cutting efficiency
- An on/off dust blowing switch
- Certified frustration-free, plus, cULus listed
- Best cheap jigsaw for beginners
Cons:
- Vibrates a lot
- Does not come with a carrying case
- Not intended for professional use
Key Features:
- 600 watts
- 6 Amp motor
- 1-3/16-in stroke length
- 45° bevel capacity
- 3200 SPM
- Weighs 4.63 lbs
- 1-year limited warranty
Features To Look at when buying a Jigsaw to cut tight curves
Motor Power
A simple rule is the more powerful the motor, the more cutting power you get. Generally, a tool with 5.5 or 6.0 Amp works best for both home and shop use. But if you’re looking for a heavy-duty jigsaw for a workshop then go for models with a powerful motor of 7.0Amps or more.
Orbital Action
Orbital action of a jigsaw defines the cutting ability of the tool. For example, a 4-position orbital jigsaw can cut a variety of wood including plastic and soft metal. You simply need to set the right gear for cutting the material.
High gears deliver better efficiency and thus, are ideal for hardwood and dense materials. Whereas, the lower gear delivers a smooth cutting surface. In general, set 0-position for thick metal plate, 1 for mild steel, aluminum, hardwood, etc, 2 for plastic, PVC pipes, plywood, and 3 for cork wood.
Depth of Cut
Styling is the main reason for using a jigsaw in any project. So it makes it obvious you cannot deep cut any material. But it does provide a certain depth of cut to properly frame/finish material. The depth of cut for wood is generally 2 inches, whereas you can cut PVC pipes or metal sheets up to 1/2-inch.
Blade Length/Width
Many tools come with a jigsaw blade for cutting wood. And the blade length is almost the same for every different blade for cutting different materials. In fact, it is the width of the blade that matters. A narrow blade is ideal for cutting curves and tight complex designs. On the other hand, a wide jigsaw blade is good for straight and crosscuts.
Power Type( Corded or Cordless)
As of now, you might have a clear idea that jigsaw comes in corded and cordless models. Corded jigsaws are slightly powerful as they deliver the same output as long as it is plugged in. They are suitable for large projects that cannot afford to wait time to charge or change batteries.
Then there is easy to use, cordless jigsaw tool that is a perfect pick for home use and DIYers. The cordless convenience of the tool allows you to take it anywhere around the home or workplace. Plus, you can work on your small project flawlessly with a cordless unit as long as the battery supports it.
Variable Speed
This is one such feature common among many electric jigsaws. But in reality, you don’t really need to change speed often unless you cut both wood and metal with the same tool. Level down the speed for cutting metal or following a tight curve or complex design for better results.
Number of Teeth
The more the number of teeth, the smoother the blade will cut. So if you want smooth-edged after the cut, attach a jigsaw blade with more teeth. For quick and deep cuts, use a blade with fewer teeth. While a blade with fewer teeth per inch provides good cutting speed, the cut finish is rough. Therefore, you might need to sand the surface.
Laser Guidelines
It is extremely easy to follow a curve even a tight one with the best jigsaw in hand. But if you’re new to using the tool then a unit with laser guidance might be a great help. Just turn the laser light on before you begin to cut for better performance.
Price and Warranty
Budget is an unskippable factor. And you must stick to your budget while searching for a new jigsaw. Luckily, these tools are not costly and you can easily find the right model in your budget. Also, do check out the cordless model you pick that comes with the bare tool only or battery+charger included.
The warranty period on the tool differs from brand to brand. But in general, these tools are backed by a good warranty period. Also, some brands offer to extend the warranty by paying a few extra bucks. And whether you should buy an extended warranty or not, depends on your usage.
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Wrapping Up
Cutting curves or complex designs is best done with a jigsaw. These handheld tools are a great help when you cannot take a heavy project with a table saw. Instead, you grab a small jigsaw and shape the wood/metal. Jigsaws are a good investment for serious DIYers and woodworking professionals, especially those who love to shape and design furniture of their own. And with the best jigsaw list above, we’re sure you’ll be able to pick the right model for your use.
